Ingredients
Chocolate Sponge Cake
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4)
$23.96
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Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2)
$16.99
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King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary
$8.62
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Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1
$5.27
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Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)
$3.74
$4.14
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C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags
$56.99
$49.98
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50 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Whole Grade A Vanilla Pods for Vanilla Extract and Baking
$39.99
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50 Organic Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Certified USDA Organic for Extract and all things Vanilla by FITNCLEAN VANILLA. ~5" Bulk Fresh Bourbon NON-GMO Pods.
$37.99
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Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle
$19.95
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Cream Cheese Frosting
50 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Whole Grade A Vanilla Pods for Vanilla Extract and Baking
$39.99
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50 Organic Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Certified USDA Organic for Extract and all things Vanilla by FITNCLEAN VANILLA. ~5" Bulk Fresh Bourbon NON-GMO Pods.
$37.99
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Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle
$19.95
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Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, 14.1 Ounce (Pack of 8)
$107.26
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Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, 13.25 oz (Pack of 12)
$23.04
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LorAnn Lemon Bakery Emulsion, 4 ounce bottle (Pack of 2)
$16.98
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Kevala Cashew Butter 7 Lbs Pail
$83.62
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4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto, Pasture Raised, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces)
$11.49
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4th & Heart Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces)
$9.49
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Chocolate Ganache
Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix, 18.2 OZ
$1.54
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Lindt EXCELLENCE 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar, Dark Chocolate Candy, 3.5 oz. (12 Pack)
$40.44
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Krusteaz Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix, Bakery Style, 3 Kinds of Chocolate, 15.5 Oz Boxes (Pack of 12)
$53.95
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Sour Cherry Filling
Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a square cake pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blend the dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and well combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin, which is normal!
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid a powdery mess. Once incorporated, increase the speed and add the vanilla extract. Beat the frosting until it is fluffy and well aerated.
Step 3
Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Afterward, stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature before using it to decorate the cake.
Step 4
Once your chocolate sponge cake has cooled, use a serrated knife to level the top if necessary. Cut the cake into three layers. Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top, followed by a layer of sour cherries.
Repeat with the second layer of cake, adding more frosting and cherries. Finally, place the last layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Step 5
To finish your cube cake, you may add decorations such as edible flowers or birthday toppers. Let the cake set for at least an hour in the refrigerator for the flavors to mingle.
When ready to serve, cut a slice and enjoy this delightful cake that's perfect for birthdays and celebrations!
Servings
When it comes to serving, pair this birthday cake with a side of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich flavors. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate each slice, giving it that extra indulgent touch. For a fun twist, create a little DIY cake bar where guests can top their slices with fresh berries or whipped cream! 🍦
This cake also shines as a centerpiece at garden parties or potlucks. Decorate it with colorful sprinkles or fresh fruit to create a vibrant display that will capture everyone’s attention! Your guests won’t just be admiring— they’ll be diving in for seconds! 🎉
Equipment
Ensure it's sturdy to help your cake retain its shape. Grease and line it for easy removal!
This is essential for whipping up that fluffy cream cheese frosting. A powerful mixer saves you time and effort!
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard 7 Speeds with Whisk, Black with Top Handle
$91.99
$114.99
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Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk, Traditional Beaters, Snap-On Storage Case, 250 Watts, White
$21.99
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Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Snap-On Case, Beaters, Whisk, Black (62692)
$19.99
$24.99
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For spreading your frosting smoothly and evenly. A silicone spatula works wonders for scraping the bowl clean!
HOTEC Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking, Cooking, and Mixing High Heat Resistant Non Stick Dishwasher Safe BPA-Free Multicolor Set of 5
$9.59
$18.99
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Wilton Icing Spatula - 13-Inch Angled Cake Spatula for Smoothing Frosting on Treats or Spreading Filling Between Cake Layers, Steel
$7.98
$8.75
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Metal Spatula Stainless Steel and Scraper - Professional Chef Griddle Spatulas Set of 3 - Heavy Duty Accessories Great for Cast Iron BBQ Flat Top Grill Skillet Pan - Commercial Grade
$19.99
$22.99
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Use this for creating a perfect swirl effect on your frosting. It's great for cake decorating!
This allows your cake to cool evenly, preventing it from becoming soggy. A vital step for that perfect texture!
KITCHENATICS 4-Tier Stackable Cooling Racks for Baking, 100% Stainless Steel Wire Rack, Oven Safe Baking Rack, Oven Rack for Pizza, Cake, Bread, Cooling Rack for Cooking and Baking, Cookie Rack 15x10
$31.98
$45.98
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Ultra Cuisine Heavy Duty Cooling Rack for Cooking and Baking - 100% Stainless Steel Baking Rack & Wire Cooling Rack - Cookie Cooling Racks for Baking - Food Safe - Fits Half Sheet Pans - 11.5" x 16.5"
$21.99
$34.99
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Spring Chef Cooling Rack & Baking Rack - 100% Stainless Steel Cookie Cooling Racks, Wire Rack for Baking, Oven Safe 10 x 15 Inches Fits Jelly Roll Pan - Cooling Racks for Cooking and Baking, Set of 2
$24.99
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Variations
If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Combine it with the same chocolate sponge base for that rich flavor without the gluten! 🌾
Thinking of delighting vegan guests? Substitute the cream cheese frosting with a smooth vegan frosting made from coconut cream! Replace the eggs in the sponge with flaxseed or applesauce, and you’ve got a cake that everyone will love. 🌱
Faq
- What can I replace if I don’t have cream cheese for frosting?
You can use mascarpone for a similar taste, or make a whipped frosting using heavy cream for a lighter touch!
- How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready!
- Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes for cupcakes, checking for doneness similarly.
- How can I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?
Make sure to mix your batter gently and not overmix! Also, check your oven temperature for accuracy.
- What's the best way to store leftovers?
Keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- How can I enhance the chocolate flavor in my cake?
Add a bit of espresso powder in your batter; it will intensify the chocolate flavor delightfully!